After the post about the launch of my new clothing line, I got a lot of great questions from you! So I thought over a few posts, we could discuss some of the questions I have been getting. If you have any ideas or more questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section or shoot me an email. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I am happy to share my experiences and hope they might help you!
Today, let's talk about
"How do you know when
to make that 'leap of faith'?"
The hardest part of any journey is always that first step. You might have a lot of ideas spinning in your mind. You may have a room full of your creations or a notebook filled with plans, sketches, goals. But how do you actually get started?
Last year when I started my Etsy shop, it had been something that was in my mind for a long time. I had talked about it for months and months. But the fear of the unknown really kept me from acting. I was scared that if I opened it, I would have either no orders or too many. I was afraid of how to calculate costs. I was afraid that my free-time would be filled with making hair accessories and that I wouldn't enjoy it anymore. Was this the 'right-time' to start?
Do you have a dream or a goal that you are afraid to get started on?
Can you relate?! Whether it the dream of a small business or a life-goal. Getting started on a new journey always brings anxiety.
But no matter how many "what if's" came into my mind, I couldn't stop rolling the idea of an Etsy shop around in my head. And if there is something you can't go a day without thinking about, then it's something you need to pursue.
So after lots of encouragement from friends and family, I decided to jump. And you know what? The best way to get rid of fears, is to take them on.
As I started on my journey I realized those fears were all things I could control.
-Worried about not having enough business? Then promote the products and get the word out. Reach out to others to help create awareness.
-Have too much business? Then hire some help. Put an ad on Craigslist, ask around. You can find people who are willing to work for you.
-Worried about costing? Do some research. For shipping, box up an 'average' order and take it to the post office. Find out how much it costs to ship. Don't forget to include the price of shipping supplies and consider your time/gas costs too.
-Afraid about balancing your time? You are in control! You set the schedule for turn-around on the orders. Let your customers know that items are handmade and give them an expectation for when to receive the product.
-Was the right time for my family and me to start? My oldest was in Kindergarten and my youngest was a good napper. I had the time and the resources to take the risk. I figured if I never tried, then I would always be filled with regret. So ready or not, there was only one to find out if was the right time. I just had to do it.
Once you have figured out the answers to your fears. Then getting started is a little less scary. The past year has still been filled with stress, anxiety and lots of 'freak out' sessions :) Chasing a dream is not a straight and easy path. But for me, it has been worth it. The chance to pursue the dream of a creative life is a gift. And to not try- well that just seems sad!
Are you on the threshold of a new adventure-what is holding you back from taking that first step?
Or are you well on your way-how did you find the courage to get started?
-Samantha Conner Designs clothing line here.
-Samantha Conner Designs Etsy shop here.
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Your blog is such a marvelous inspirational journey! I am so excited to have found you.
ReplyDeleteYour newest follower, a young at heart grandma from the Pacific Northwest. Connie :)
Thank you for sharing what you found so helpful. It is refreshing to find a young woman willing to put herself out there to motivate others!
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